Mangrove forests of Qeshm

[2] Dominated by the species Avicennia marina, known locally as the "hara" or "harra" tree, the forests represent an ecological resource.

The "Hara Protected Area" on Quesm and the nearby mainland is a biosphere reserve where commercial use is restricted to fishing (mainly shrimp), tourist boat trips, and limited mangrove cutting for animal feed.

The hara tree, Avicennia marina, grows to heights of three to eight meters and has bright green leaves and twigs.

The long, narrow, oval leaves of the tree have nutritious value for livestock roughly equivalent to barley and alfalfa.

The area is a habitat for migratory birds in the cold season, and for reptiles, fish, and varieties of arthropoda and bivalves.